Gear Up for Independent Bookstore Day

With less than two months to go until Independent Bookstore Day (IBD), Saturday, April 27, here are some tips for how participating stores can start spreading the news.

What to do in March:

• Mention Independent Bookstore Day in your newsletter
• Start using images of items and other teasers on your website and social media and remember to hashtag #bookstoreday
• List special IBD events in your events calendar
• Order your IBD marketing packet by March 15 (this $25 kit includes IBD signage, branded balloons, book teasers, and shelf-talkers)
• Send a press release to local calendar listings (a downloadable and customizable press release is available on the IBD site)
• Arrange for media sponsorship in your area if possible, including radio, newspapers, and websites
• Order companion titles for IBD items (some special discounts apply; see the IBD catalog)
• Check on your order by going to your iPage account and looking at “Backorders”
• Look for the arrival of your IBD bookmarks in ABA’s Monthly Box mailing

Looking ahead to April, here’s what you should be planning to do:

• Start handing out your free IBD bookmarks and mentioning the event to customers
• Highlight IBD in your April newsletter
• Follow up on press releases sent to local media
• Tweet and post on Facebook daily, and don’t forget to retweet Bookstore Day
• Put up signage and decorations (snag images and logos on the Bookstore Day website)
• Create teaser displays with IBD items and the free shelf-talkers
• Make sure your store is well-staffed for April 27
• Send in photos of your special IBD-themed window or in-store display by April 30 for a chance to win $300

Visit the Independent Bookstore Day website to learn more about the annual event; the “For the Trade” section includes a handy month-by-month planning guide, bookseller info and FAQs, and more. Watch Bookselling This Week in the coming weeks for more information about Independent Bookstore Day, or sign up for the IBD newsletter.